A TAXI operator who used an unlicensed vehicle to ferry pupils to school has been ordered to pay £885 in fines and costs and had his license endorsed by Rhondda magistrates

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council inspectors took court action against Gwyn Humphreys of St John’s Road in Tonyrefail to send an important message to residents and parents that the authority is determined to protect the public.

Mr Humphreys, 65, was charged by licensing officers following a routine inspection of vehicles at Porth County Community School on April 22 this year.

Officers, who work proactively across the county to inspect the standards of vehicles and drivers being used to take children and young people to school discovered Mr Humphreys was using an unlicensed vehicle.

He was charged with using a vehicle without the correct insurance, using an unlicensed vehicle as a private hire vehicle and using a vehicle that did not have a Private Hire Operator’s Licence and was fined £570 with £300 costs and a £15 victim surcharge. His licence was endorsed with seven points.

RCT cabinet member councillor John David said: “Licensing staff work with partners, including South Wales Police and representatives of the legal taxi and private hire trade, in order to identify those who may well be putting residents at risk through the use of illegal drivers or vehicles.

“This was a particularly concerning case because the offences related to an operator who had been awarded a contract to transport children to and from school.

“Mr Humphreys secured that contract and, as such, placed himself in a position of responsibility. We are committed to testing that responsibility is being met and, in this case, offences were discovered and we had no choice but to prosecute.

“Other drivers, especially those who have been awarded contracts, need to be aware of the fact we will continue such work across RCT and take action where needed.”